East Java Family Adventure Guide
Get ready for the ultimate family adventure! East Java is a massive playground filled with friendly wildlife, stunning floral parks, and landscapes that look like they belong on another planet.
Because we are visiting a mix of tropical safaris and high-altitude volcanoes, the weather and travel times will vary. To help you and the kids get excited (and properly packed!), we have put together this quick guide on what to expect during your journey.
Pre Departure Things to Note
Fill in Indonesia Official Arrival Card First.
Everyone needs to finish the online arrival card before coming to Indonesia. It is a compulsory entry document and will help you pass airport checks much faster.
Please open this official link to fill it out:
https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/arrival-card-submission/personal-information
Tips:
Finish the form within 3 days before arrival
Choose "Foreign Visitor" and follow the prompts
Keep all info the same as your passport
Save the QR code after submission
Information to fill in for hotel section.
1. Baobab Safari Resort & Taman Safari Prigen
Your wildlife adventure kicks off at one of Asia's largest safari parks and your home base: the Baobab Safari Resort!
Travel Data: The resort is conveniently located about a 1-hour drive from Surabaya's Juanda International Airport.
Climate & Packing: The weather here is tropical and warm. Bring hats, sunscreen, and breathable clothing, and it is always a good idea to pack an umbrella or a light poncho for unexpected afternoon showers.
What to Do:
Balcony Feedings: At the Baobab Safari Resort, you can literally feed giraffes and safari animals right near your balcony! It is an unforgettable experience for the kids.
Resort Paid Experiences:
Most Popular: Breakfast with Giraffe (4pax/session) 550k-650k per session, limited to 6 sessions each day. Need to be pre-booked (self expense)
For other activities available, pls refer below
The Safari Drive: Hop in your vehicle and drive directly through the animal enclosures at Taman Safari Prigen. We will pick up some carrots and other vegetables along the way (provided budget: 100k, customer can top up more if interested) You will get up close and personal with free-roaming herbivores and also other safari animals. (Include 1 bag of food each at the giraffe and elephant section)
One of their main highlights of the safari is the carnivore feeding, which cost 175k/pax for a shared tour or 1.05mil to book a private caged truck tour (self expense)
Where to Eat:
Tiger Cave Restaurant: This is an absolute must-do! Located inside the park, you and your family can enjoy a delicious meal while watching majestic white tigers roam just on the other side of the glass. Menu below
2. Magical Malang & Batu
The cool, breezy highlands of Malang and its neighboring city, Batu, are famous across Indonesia for their vibrant theme parks, colorful art villages, and beautiful gardens. (all entrance tickets are covered, just pick and choose which attraction you are interested in, and our driver will bring you there)
Travel Data: The drive from Prigen to the Malang/Batu area generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Climate & Packing: Because Malang and Batu sit at a higher elevation, they enjoy a much cooler, breezier climate (typically around 18°C to 24°C). Pack a light jacket or sweater for the kids to wear in the evenings!
What to Do:
Batu Love Garden: Step into a vibrant floral paradise filled with colorful blooms and creative themed landscapes. Don’t miss the iconic giant grasshopper structure and unique plant collections.
https://share.google/MITdiuCo2ZRvSBalp
Florawisata Santerra De Laponte: Enjoy a picturesque flower garden boasting endless scenic viewpoints and fun recreational rides.
https://share.google/zbcprd53PLYEot86x
Museum Angkut: Explore over 300 vintage and modern transportation exhibits! It is a massive, highly interactive park filled with classic cars, airplanes, and movie-set zones.
https://share.google/AoxuvZtyJMefU593C
Jodipan Rainbow Village: Wander through this cheerful riverside art village famed for vibrantly painted houses and creative street murals.
https://share.google/mteuazSkGKX3cAAMa
Where to Eat:
Javanine Resto: Highly rated for its elegant ambiance and authentic, beautifully presented Javanese cuisine.
https://share.google/G4NIXIfmC1tuc0mqG
Piring Asia: A fantastic, crowd-pleasing Asian restaurant with a diverse menu perfect for families.
https://share.google/GFDh5jrgGcGDlnPr5
Depot Gang Djangkrik: A beloved local spot for hearty, comforting Chinese food.
https://share.google/hypRyil5B8Zu19sxj
Nine House Kitchen Alfresco: Enjoy a great meal in a fantastic alfresco dining setting with a wonderful atmosphere.
https://share.google/NUNw2ySWLQzw97926
3. Madakaripura Waterfall (En Route to Bromo) Optional
On your drive toward the Mount Bromo region, If your family/group is able to go on a 1-2 hrs hike, you may also consider visiting the spectacular Madakaripura Waterfall—one of the tallest and most immersive waterfalls in Java! (Self expense: $15/pax)
Travel Data: Located roughly 45 to 60 minutes from the Bromo area, this is the perfect afternoon stop on your travel day.
Climate & Packing: You will get wet! Pack disposable ponchos, dry bags for your phones and cameras, and wear water-friendly, grippy sandals.
What to Do:
Motorbike Taxis & Canyon Trekking: The adventure begins with a fun, short ride on a local motorbike taxi to the trail entrance. From there, you will take a beautiful 20 to 30-minute walk through a shallow river and narrow canyon.
The Water Curtain: You will walk directly underneath curtain-like falls to reach a roaring, natural amphitheater. You will be provided with safety helmets to wear during the canyon walk to protect against small rocks.
4. Mount Bromo Adventures
Visiting Mount Bromo is like stepping onto the moon! We have specially designed this portion of your trip to be highly family-friendly. We skip the freezing, exhausting 2:00 AM midnight hikes (unless you specifically request them!) in favor of a much more relaxed morning.
Travel Data: Because you are staying right in the Bromo area, you get to sleep in and avoid the extreme early morning crowds.
Climate & Packing: Mornings at Bromo are still quite chilly (around 10°C range). Pack jackets, closed-toe shoes, and definitely bring sunglasses and a dust mask for the sandy areas.
What to Do:
Sunrise from Your Cabin: Wake up slowly and watch the spectacular Bromo sunrise directly from the comfort of your cozy hotel cabins. Afterward, enjoy a warm hotel breakfast and pack your bags to check out.
The Morning 4x4 Jeep Tour: After breakfast, we will check out directly, to ensure we have sufficient time to enjoy the Jeep Tour without the need to rush back to the hotel to check out. you will board a rugged 4x4 Jeep. Your driver will take you down into the massive, otherworldly caldera known as the Sea of Sand.
Professional Family Photoshoot (Optional): Want to capture the magic? You have the option to add a professional family photoshoot right in the middle of the breathtaking volcanic landscape! (Self expense 1,500,000 rupiah ~ $120/pax)
Horse Rides & Crater Climb: To reach the base of the volcano, you can either take a short walk or hire local ponies to ride across the sand. For active families, you can climb the 250 concrete stairs right to the rim of the smoking crater. (Self expense 250-300k/horse ~ $20)
Where to Eat:
Manis Ae Resto: The perfect spot to warm up after your chilly morning tour! Cozy up in this beautiful, cabin-style restaurant for a fantastic lunch, warm drinks, and local snacks to thaw out. Take photo on their glass bridge with lush forests in the background too.
https://share.google/X3xlUVRK41HMLut37
See You Soon!
Team Avantour is excited to welcome your family to East Java! We are fully prepared to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable, and absolutely magical from start to finish.
Should you have any last-minute questions about packing, scheduling, or special dietary requirements, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. Safe travels, and we will see you at the starting line of your adventure!
Warm regards,
Avantour Travels
